Nearly 150 members developed their competencies at the VU SR Summer Training

July 10–12 marked the annual Vilnius University Students' Representation (VU SR) Summer Training – the organisation's largest annual training event, bringing together around 150 VU SR members this year.

The three-day programme was designed to prepare members for the upcoming year of organisational activities by equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills needed for their roles. It also served as an opportunity for VU SR members from different University units to meet in one place, exchange experiences, and strengthen cooperation.

"The Summer Training has become a long-standing VU SR tradition and a starting point for every new year of activities. We want every participant to leave the weekend with a better understanding not only of their own responsibilities, but also of how their work contributes to VU SR's shared goals and to positive change across the University," says Livija Trakelytė, Head of the VU SR Summer Training.

From the Bologna Process to Vilnius University's Strategy

The programme began with sessions exploring VU SR's role within the higher education system. Participants revisited the Bologna Process and its impact on the European Higher Education Area, discussed the Lithuanian higher education landscape, the key institutions operating within it, and examined Vilnius University's structure and strategic priorities.

Topics also included inclusive learning environments, the resilience of the University community, internationalisation, student research, and individual studies.

"Every year new people join VU SR, so it is important to build a shared foundation of knowledge from which everyone can begin their work. At first, the Bologna Process may seem like a distant or purely theoretical topic, but it helps explain why higher education is organised the way it is, how Lithuanian higher education connects to the European Higher Education Area, and what opportunities student representatives have to create meaningful change," Livija Trakelytė explains.

Participants also explored the history of VU SR and the organisation's accumulated experience over the years, learning how student representation has evolved, what previous generations of members achieved, and how those efforts continue to shape the University today.

Tailored Activities for Different Areas of Work

A significant part of the programme consisted of specialised sessions tailored to members with different responsibilities within VU SR.

The sessions covered academic ethics, study quality, student research, the social dimension of higher education, sustainability, international student integration, advocacy, and data collection and analysis. Participants also discussed working with different teams, member engagement, event organisation, crisis management, personal data protection, communication, and promoting student representation activities.

Some activities brought together members from multiple areas, highlighting how different responsibilities are interconnected and why cooperation between coordinators is essential when addressing challenges within University units.

Putting Theory into Practice Through Simulations

The Summer Training combined theoretical sessions with group work and practical simulations. Participants analysed real-life situations commonly encountered in the organisation's activities, learned to identify both individual and systemic issues, collect and use evidence, develop well-founded positions, and make decisions despite incomplete information.

In one simulation, participants planned a first-year student camp by dividing responsibilities, resolving organisational issues, and responding to unexpected situations. Another group simulated a faculty council meeting, where they practised presenting and defending students' positions while responding to questions from other council members.

"The Summer Training is not about listening to as much theory as possible over three days. We want participants to immediately apply what they learn and connect it to the real work carried out in VU SR units. Simulations provide a safe environment to make decisions, respond to unexpected situations, receive feedback, and better prepare for the challenges members may face throughout the year," says Samanta Valiušaitytė, Chair of the VU SR Institutional Strengthening Fund, which organises the training.

Learning from VU SR Alumni

Training sessions were led by VU SR Central Office coordinators, long-standing VU SR alumni, and invited guest speakers. They shared not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience in addressing real challenges related to student representation, team management, and organisational development.

"VU SR has accumulated a wealth of experience, but it remains valuable only if it is passed on to new members. Our alumni shared not only their success stories but also the lessons learned from things that did not work the first time. This openness encourages current members to take responsibility with confidence and reminds them that they are continuing a tradition of student representation built over many years," says Livija Trakelytė.

Strengthening the VU SR Community

Alongside competence-building activities, the programme included ice-breaking sessions, daily reflections, and social evenings. These activities gave members from different University units the opportunity to get to know one another, exchange experiences, and build connections that will support cooperation throughout the coming year.

"VU SR operates across the entire University, so it is important that members from different units feel part of one organisation. The Summer Training not only provides knowledge but also helps participants meet people they can later turn to for advice or collaborate with when facing similar challenges. It is this sense of community that transforms knowledge into meaningful action," says Samanta Valiušaitytė.

VU SR Summer Training is the organisation's traditional three-day flagship training event, held annually for newly elected VU SR unit coordinators, presidents, and members of student initiatives. The training is organised by the VU SR Institutional Strengthening Fund in cooperation with the VU SR Central Office.